When to Call the Doctor for a Child's Fever

Body temperature is controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain. This keeps the temperature regulated to an average of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit when taken orally. A fever is not a disease, but it is a symptom of other conditions. Fevers may actually help the body fight infection and illness. However, letting a fever run may not be the best option for everyone, especially children. There are signals that tell you when to take a child with a fever to the doctor.

Measuring Fever

• Digital thermometers give readings within a minute or less. These are either oral or rectal. The old-fashioned glass and mercury thermometer should be replaced with digital thermometers, because if the glass thermometer breaks, there is a danger of mercury poisoning. To measure a child's temperature orally, place the thermometer under the tongue. Have the child close her lips around the thermometer to hold it in place. The most accurate reading is to take a rectal reading. This is done by inserting the thermometer 1/2 to 1 inch into the child's rectum. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if a child is younger than 3 years, his temperature should be taken rectally. Wait 1 hour after exercising or taking a hot bath before taking a temperature. Wait at least 20 minutes after eating or drinking if taking an oral temperature.

Fever

• If your child is under 2 months of age with a rectal temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or lower than 95, then consult your care provider. At the age of 2 months or greater, call your care provider if the rectal temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or an oral temperature of 101 or greater. At 6 months old, if your child runs a fever of 102 degrees or greater, then call the doctor. Even if the child does not seem sick, still call because children can get sick quickly. Call for any fever that lasts more than 1 day if the child is under 2 years old or 3three days if the child is over 2 years old. Call if you have any doubt about the severity of the fever.

Warning Signs

• If your child is running a fever and has one or more warning signs, call your doctor. These signs include constant vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, earache, irritability, no appetite, sore throat and a stiff neck. Other signs are paleness, seizures, headache, skin rash, swollen joints and stomach pain. More serious warning signs are swelling on the head, being unresponsive and problems breathing. If you are unsure about when to call your doctor, talk to your care provider before your child gets sick.